Here you will find sources of information such as market research (statistics, trends, developments), key companies, trade magazines, newsletters, and Internet sources.
This guide will be useful to anyone starting a business within the TV and film industry and also for those wanting to further their knowledge within this area.
Start-Up Information
The Cobra database contains practical fact-sheets on all aspects of starting, running and managing a small business – including information on writing business plans, marketing, company structures etc.
It also covers the practical aspects of how to start and run particular types of businesses – outlining necessary skills, regulations, licences and legislation etc. and highlights other sources of information and advice available.
Business Opportunity Profiles (BOP)
| Entertainment Agency | BOP375 |
| Performing Arts Company | BOP383 |
| Recruitment Agency | BOP084 |
| Videographer | BOP020 |
| Actor | MBP307 |
Business Information Fact Sheets
| A Guide to Using Copyright to Protect Your Work | BIF218 |
| A Guide to Using the Copyright of others | BIF157 |
Mini Business Opportunity Profiles (MBP)
| Photographic Equipment Shop | MBP442 |
Sector Updates (SEC)
| Advertising and Marketing | SEC009 |
Market Research & Statistics
If you are planning on starting a business you will need to be aware of the latest trends, developments and opportunities within your industry which can all be found from market research.
Market research also covers market size and forecasts, consumer demographics and attitudes, the key players and products and will often include SWOT and PEST analysis showing areas of strength, weakness, opportunities etc.
- J59.120 – Film, Video & TV Programme Post-Production in the UK 2019
- J59.130 – Film, Video & TV Programme Distribution in the UK 2019
- J59.140 – Cinemas in the UK 2019
- J59.111 – Motion Picture Production in the UK 2019
- J60.200 – Television Programming & Broadcasting in the UK 2019
- J59.113 – Television Programme Production in the UK 2019
- Attitudes towards Video and TV: Inc impact of Covid-19 UK 2020
- Cinemas UK 2019
- Media Trends Autumn: Inc Impact of Covid-19 UK 2020
- News Consumption – TV, Print, online and Social UK 2018
- Technology Habits of Families UK 2018
- Televisions: Inc Impact of Covid-19 UK 2020
- TV Viewing Habits 2017
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- Global Media Intelligence UK 2020
- Programmatic Ad spending in the UK 2018-2022
- UK Ad spending shares, by Media 2018-2020
- UK Digital Video 2020
- UK digital Ad spending, by industry 2019
- UK Key Digital Trends 2020
- UK Programmatic Digital Display Ad Spending 2019
- UK Spent with media 2020
Business News & Journals
In order to find the latest news on your topic it is always worth searching NewsBank and EMIS.
You will find articles from specialist business and academic journals, as well as newspapers and magazines. You may also find market research reports and case studies. As well as profiles of leading industry figures.
You will also find articles covering recent developments, and predicting future trends in your industry.
Directories
The White Book: the international entertainment industry buyers guide (Ocean Media Events, 2019) [(B) DIR. 338.761791025 BUS. Desk]
This directory provides a comprehensive list of industry contacts within event management, structures, security, technical support and equipment. There are also sections for PR, marketing and design services and a full section dedicated to entertainment, enabling choice between styles of acts or attractions to compliment any event (pocket version).
Internet Sources
Websites containing free sources of industry statistics, information and contacts.
BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and television Arts (BAFTA) promotes and rewards excellence in film, television and Internet and multimedia technologies.
BBC Films
BBC Films is the feature film-making arm of the BBC. Its sub-divisions Film Network provides a Filmmaking Guide where you can find more information about the filmmaking and exhibition process, from pre-production through to marketing and distribution.
British Film Commission (BFC)
The British Film Commission (BFC) is the national body in charge of attracting, encouraging and supporting the production of international feature films in the UK. With offices in the UK and the US, the BFC provides free professional advice to help make productions in the UK a reality.
The British Society of Cinematographers
The British Society of Cinematographers is an educational, social and professional organisation. Since its formation in 1949 its prime objective has been to promote and encourage the highest standards in the art and craft of cinematography.
UK Cinema Association
The Cinema Exhibitors Association represents the interests of UK cinema operators. It also supports the work of The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund and the British Cinema and Television Veterans.
ScreenSkills
As part of our remit as a Sector Skills Council, Skillset is the definitive source of research into employment, conditions and skill levels in the UK film industry.
Directors Guild of Great Britain
A trade union representing directors across all media. It offers help with contracts, a campaigning voice and organises seminars and screenings.
The Film Network
Is the portfolio site for the most talented filmmakers from around the world. It’s where filmmakers and those individuals and organisations that have helped them, connect with one another. And it’s where they reach out to the industry and the audience worldwide.
Equity
Equity is a trade union that represents artists from across the arts and entertainment industries.
Film London
Film London is the capital’s public agency for feature film, television, commercials and other interactive content, including games. Their aim is to ensure London has a thriving film sector that enriches the capital’s businesses and its people. Film London is supported by the UK Film Council, the London Development Agency, Arts Council England London, the Mayor of London and Skillset.
IMDB – Movies, TV and Celebrities
IMDBPro, part of IMDB, provides 80,000 representation listings for actors, directors and producers and provides 30,000 employee contact details for companies in the movie and TV industry.
Independent Cinema Office (ICO)
A national organisation set up to foster and support independent film exhibition throughout the UK.
Producer Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact)
Pact is the UK trade association representing and promoting the commercial interest of independent feature film, television, digital, children’s and animation media companies.
Script Factory
National screenwriter’s organisation offering training, masterclasses, performed readings and a script development service.
Moviegram
A social networking website for filmmakers of all ages and skill levels; allowing you to share and receive feedback on all aspects of the film production cycle, where your final cut can be shown and reviewed by filmmakers all over the world.
Spotlight: The Home of Casting
Spotlight provides services for performers, agents and casting. Spotlight is used by most TV, film, radio and theatrical companies throughout the UK and many worldwide.
Federation of Drama Schools
A group of institutions that provide conservatoire style vocational training for those who want to be professional performers, theatre makers and technical theatre practitioners.
The Writer’s Guild of Great Britain
A membership-based organisation, with a specific arm focussing on screenwriters. The Writers’ Guild agreements establish the minimum terms and conditions for TV, film, radio, book and theatre work.
National Screen Agencies
Arts & Business
The sole agency for film in Wales, the agency’s aim is to facilitate the emergence of a viable and sustainable Welsh film industry.
Creative England
Details about funding opportunities from Creative England and its three regional hubs (which replace the nine screen agencies) will become available on the Creative England website in due course.
Creative Scotland
Replaces Scottish Screen as the main funding body in Scotland.
Northern Ireland Screen – Film and Television development
Northern Ireland Screen, formerly NIFTC, is the National Screen Agency for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Screen administers and allocates various funds for the development and production of the moving image, including feature film, shorts, animation, documentaries, television drama series and new media.
Please note that every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help at the enquiry desk.
Images by snork, ex.libris, nozomiiqel, under a Creative Commons license